Unemployment Insurance Overview
Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a joint state and federal program that provides economic stability to Utah’s workforce. Contributions are collected from Utah employers through the state unemployment program to exclusively pay benefits to unemployed workers.
Through the program, individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own may receive temporary cash benefits to help bridge the gap between jobs. In addition, the insurance keeps money circulating in the economy during a downturn, keeps workers out of poverty and lessens the pressure on other state social services programs.
HOW WE HELP EMPLOYERS
- Register employers and monitor compliance
- Determine if employer accounts are subject to unemployment contributions
- Collect employer contributions and overpayments for unemployment benefits
- Post jobs and report new hires online
- Identify worker misclassification
We help employers claim a tax credit of up to 90% on their federal unemployment tax when they file their state unemployment tax on time.
HOW WE HELP CLAIMANTS
- File claims and collect information
- Determine eligibility for benefit
- Assess liability for employers
- Monitor compliance
- Facilitate re-employment
- Identify worker misclassification
Utahns draw unemployment benefits nearly three weeks less than the national average. Our program integrity and re-employment efforts help reduce the duration of benefits.
Latest News on Unemployment Insurance

Winter 2021 Employer Advisor
Read the latest issue of our quarterly Employer Advisor to better understand unemployment insurance benefits as well as how the Unemployment Insurance penalty and interest fund helps build our state's skilled workforce through Talent Ready Utah grants.
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Utah's UI Operations Top-Performing in Nation
The U.S. Department of Labor recognized the Utah Department of Workforce Services today with two operational excellence awards for unemployment insurance appeals decisions and tax operations.
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Utah’s Unemployment Insurance Program Saving Employers’ Tax Dollars
New data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows Utah’s Unemployment Insurance Program is healthy and thriving — benefiting Utah’s employers.
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Utah's Unemployment Insurance Division Receives Governor’s Award for Excellence
The Unemployment Insurance Division was honored for its continual innovation and efficiency by Governor Gary R. Herbert at the annual Governor’s Awards for Excellence ceremony.
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